Remember not the events of the past, the things of long ago consider not;

See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

In the wilderness I make a way,in the wasteland, rivers.

Isaiah 43:18 & 19

Here in Houston we must familiarize ourselves with a new city, a new climate, new doctors and dentists and grocery stores, new friends, and a new house still under construction, so perhaps it’s not so crazy to take up a new hobby as well.

Last week I brought home a harp! I bought it a couple of years ago. I thought I would be making room for it in a house in Cornville. My sister agreed to store it for me until we got settled. Occasionally I would wonder when I might find a way to bring it home and learn to play it.

It surprised me when my sister texted me last week to say that she lives less than two hours from where we were going for the funeral of my friend.

We decided to stop by for a quick visit with my sister and bring home my harp.

She’s a beauty! But, my fingers and brain need lots and lots of practice if I will ever be able to elicit anything except glissandos from my harp. In the meantime the lovely almost liquid tones of glissandos are a good reward for my tedious awkward plunking at the strings.

Even though it’s hard work, I’m not giving up. I’ll practice everyday because it’s worth it to me. Surely it will strengthen my fortitude and while putting forth my best efforts I can dream of playing a beautiful hymn someday.

If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing badly.

G.K. Chesterton

I decided to name my harp Ceci (for St. Cecilia of course!) Ceci has one string that has to be re-tuned each time I practice, reminding me of my own constant need to attune the strings of my heart to the movements of the Holy Spirit, especially that one stubborn attitude that constantly demands attention.

I’m sure Ceci has much more to teach me.